Netflix has recently released an anthology series called African Folktales Reimagined, a collection of six short films by various African directors and producers. The show is set in fantastical, magical realms inspired by African folk stories, and each episode is unique. Reimagined takes a page out of the Black Mirror playbook, using science fiction approaches to comment on social and environmental issues.
The show was funded by a UNESCO competition, showcasing up and coming filmmakers from countries such as Kenya, Mauritania, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda. African Folktales Reimagined’s particular take on the continent is complimented by stunning imagery that has been specifically designed for the show. With a cinematic look and 4K streaming, the visuals alone have been a huge drawing point for audiences. To go with this visual style, there’s also an amazing wardrobe of detailed costumes, featuring cowry shells throughout.
The acting and scripts vary but one episode, “Zabin Halima”, stands out as particularly unique. Directed and produced by Nigerian Nollywood director Korede Azeez, the story follows a young girl in a remote village who falls in love with an AI program and is forced to choose between her two realities. It addresses the idea of humans falling in love with robots, seen in Spike Jonze’s Her, Alex Garland’s Ex Machina and Black Mirror.
African Folktales Reimagined offers something for everyone, particularly fans of Black Mirror. It’s a show that places social and environmental issues at its core, but never takes itself too seriously. There are also episodes like “Katera of the Punishment Island” to satisfy fans of fantasy and drama, directed and produced by Loukman Ali in Uganda, which tells the story of a grieving mother out for revenge.
UNESCO provided the production grant and competition to fund this anthology series and it doesn’t disappoint. While waiting for the upcoming season of Black Mirror, African Folktales Reimagined is an amazing show to watch and an equally amazing example of African cinema.
The six filmmakers behind the show are: Korede Azeez (Nigeria), Loukman Ali (Uganda), Maria Silvia (Mauritania), Jean Claude Sumampha (South Africa), Joseph Kazimba (Tanzania) and Mashak Salim (Kenya). These six creatives bring a wealth of creativity and knowledge from their respective countries and combine it together to create a captivating and thought-provoking show.
The show is one of the best displays of African cinema available, and is an incredible testament to the power of collaboration in creating something magical. Thanks to their dedication and hard work, African Folktales Reimagined is a show that will stay with viewers long after they’ve watched it.
